Administratio

n of
Citalopram

notes
is typically taken in one dose, either in the morning or evening. It can be taken with or without food.
Its absorption does not increase when taken with food,[37][10] but doing so can help prevent nausea.
Nausea is often caused when the 5-HT3 receptors actively absorb free serotonin, as this receptor is
present within the digestive tract.[38]

Adverse effects[edit]
Citalopram theoretically causes side effects by increasing the concentration of serotonin in other
parts of the body (e.g., the intestines). Other side effects, such as increased apathy and emotional
flattening, may be caused by the decrease in dopamine release associated with increased serotonin.
Citalopram is also a mild antihistamine, which may be responsible for some of its sedating
properties.[34]: 104
Other common side effects of citalopram include drowsiness, insomnia, nausea, weight changes
(usually weight gain), increase in appetite, vivid dreaming, frequent urination, dry mouth,
[37]
increased sweating, trembling, diarrhea, excessive yawning, severe tinnitus, and fatigue. Less
common side effects include bruxism, vomiting, cardiac arrhythmia, blood pressure changes, dilated
pupils, anxiety, mood swings, headache, hyperactivity and dizziness. Rare side effects
include convulsions, hallucinations, severe allergic reactions and photosensitivity.[37] If sedation
occurs, the dose may be taken at bedtime rather than in the morning. Some data suggests
citalopram may cause nightmares.[39] Citalopram is associated with a higher risk of arrhythmia than
other SSRIs.[40][41]
Citalopram and other SSRIs can induce a mixed state, especially in those with undiagnosed bipolar
disorder.[34]: 105 According to an article published in 2020, one of the other rare side effects of
Citalopram could be triggering visual snow syndrome; which does not resolve after the
discontinuation of the medicine.[42]